armalis Reviews

You Do You (2023)

Weird and Fun

[8/10 · 4 November 2023]

You need to watch more than 10 minutes of this film to enjoy it, because the frantic all over the place direction I believe reflects the main character's mental state. She has no idea what she's doing in the beginning, but as the movie progresses the character develops and grows into her potential, then the movie also starts to make more sense.

What is this movie? Is it a romance, a comedy, drama, thriller... Honestly, the movie was all over the place. I do agree with some of the reviews that if it was longer and had more time (a short mini-series instead of a movie) characters' emotional development could have made more sense. However, within the time-frame given, it still works. I loved the characters. They were such caricatures! If you try to analyze it too much, it will not work. However, if you just let go and enjoy the ride, it does.

As an artist, I also love to see a young female artist overcome obstacles through her creativity and succeed in the business world.

I found this film refreshing and fun.

True Spirit (2023)

Beautiful Movie and a Beautiful Story

[10/10 · 23 February 2023]

I enjoyed every moment of this movie. In this world where edgier and darker movies and villains seen as heroes are flooding the media, I've been starving for a good, bright, inspirational story. I cannot believe that this sixteen year old girl completed the trip by herself on a sailboat. I thought her story was beautifully told and the visuals were stunning. Loved this film. A true breath of fresh air.

I enjoyed the cinematography, casting was great, I loved how they incorporated the music, the color saturation in the scene with calm waters that creates the feeling of pressure and nerves amidst the beauty of the surroundings, the starry sky scene, the CG waves,... Finally the way they showed the real Jessica Watson at the very end.

Loved it!

Shotgun Wedding (2022)

Bad Ridiculous Fun

[8/10 · 28 January 2023]

This movie is bad. I'm not going to argue that it's not, but for me it reaches that point of being ridiculously funny. It's been a long time since I found a movie that makes me laugh and this one made me laugh. It was like a parody of every cliche about action and romcoms ever invented. It made me think of Knight and Day, but that movie was better. Therefore, if you are going to watch this movie expecting a great story or directing you will be disappointed. However, if you're watching this movie just to have fun and look at some gorgeous actors, beautiful island scenery, and over the top scenes, it will make you laugh.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )

I love this series so much! Can I work on it?

[10/10 · 29 October 2022]

I am a Tolkien fan, but I have never read The Silmarillion. I tried when I was fifteen and was so bored I gave up. I have no idea what happens prior to The Hobbit. Therefore, I had no expectations when it came to the storyline of this series.

From the first episode I was hooked. I was hooked by the story (I've always been a fan of Galadriel) and the direction and cinematography of this series, costumes, the sets - visually it is probably the most beautiful fantasy series I have ever seen. I like the aesthetic much more than what is shown in Peter Jackson's movies (which were amazing, but I am not a fan of color filters). I love this series so much I wish to work on it! I'm a Story Artist. Can I?

I love that there are so many ladies leading the show. It always bugged me that there were so few women in Tolkien's stories and they were always the ideals. I love the diversity (I remember Gimli mentioning that dwarf women had beards?). I love that the characters are not perfect and therefore have room to grow. The costumes for this show are insane! How? So beautiful. Elrond's and Durin's friendship - love. I love that they show Durin as as a real man with emotions...

It does make me feel uncomfortable that the human race is so flawed, but maybe that is the point? It intrigues me that the elves are not perfect.

As far as story being all over the place and difficult to follow, I personally had no such difficulty. This entire season feels like ACT 1 and it did what it needed to do - establish all the primary players and their goals. The show even manage to surprise me a few times and by this time in my life that is NOT easy.

I don't know how accurate this is compared to the original books, but I don't care. I can't wait for the next season.

Romance in Style (2022 TV Movie)

I loved every minute!

[10/10 · 25 August 2022]

It was predictable, but so delicious that I don't care. Just lovely. Would watch this again and again. Loved the cast. Loved the direction. Loved the fashion. A true treat.

Love's Kitchen (2011)

Nice and Relaxing

[8/10 · 23 August 2022]

I was looking for something enjoyable and relaxing and this movie delivered. Acting and directing is OK and the story is nice though it does not have the best flow. Sometimes, I need something that will not surprise me and just leave me feeling good. I enjoyed this film very much.

The Sandman (2022– )

Amazing! I want more.

[10/10 · 14 August 2022]

I never would have read The Sandman graphic novels if my college roommate did not insist I read the series (she has the whole collection). It looked too dark and disturbing for my taste. I grew up on Disney Princess, mythology, and fairytales, Ninja Turtles and karate movies. I like adventure, action, romantic comedies and bright, happily-ever-after stories. I'm saying all this, because after reading for a while, even though some scenes were terrifying and disturbing, I got sucked into the story and now I love - LOVE - The Sandman. It is how I discovered Neil Gaiman.

It has been a while since I read the actual graphic novels, but watching this series things were coming back to me. Some episodes are still very dark and disturbing (24/7), but I liked that Netflix did not go full on Sandman, while it kept all the dark bits. Some people complain about changing of the character races, but I don't mind that at all, since this is a fictional piece of work. I think Death is still adorable, and Desire is still Desire. For some reason I always saw Despair as blue, and would have wished she had a bit of the other worldly colouring. However, The Sandman was perfectly cast. Everyone was great. The effects were wonderful. I binged this entire season in two days.

I want more. Soon, please.

Free Guy (2021)

Best movie I've seen in a while.

[10/10 · 28 May 2022]

Watching the trailer I was not even sure I would like this movie. I was pleasantly surprised. The movie may appear silly... It was. But, it was silly with a purpose. As an artist working in the creative industry, this movie managed to discuss some really deep topics in a non-offensive way. Performances were brilliant. Writing was brilliant. Direction was brilliant. It was fun! I enjoyed every minute. I would watch this again.

Arcane (2021– )

Almost perfect.

[8/10 · 25 March 2022]

Style: 10 Stars; Directing: 10 Stars; Animation/Acting: 9 Stars; Story: 7 Stars; Entertaining: 8 Stars;

Warning: If you are struggling with depression, I'd recommend you stay away from this series, because it is really disturbing and sad.

Please note that I am not a gamer and have never played the game this series is based on. My thoughts come purely based on what I've observed while bingeing the series in three days.

Artistry of this series is amazing. The creators managed to blend Impressionism, Art Deco/Art Nouveau, and Anime in a perfect blend of Steampunk that had my creative innards drooling. This is probably the most beautiful style I've seen emerge from any animation studio in a while.

The subtlety of animation and direction is also commendable. Though there are some misses in animation that could have used better timing.

My only issue with this series is the story. If I was to give the story a grade it would be 85%. What is lacking in my opinion is some clarity regarding characters' motivation and comic relief. This story is so intense. It keeps pushing and pushing and pushing with these sad themes and storylines. Binging the series was more exhausting than entertaining.

When I say "comic relief", I am not referring to creating a bunch of comedic one-dimensional characters that force comic situations, like Jar-Jar in "Star Wars", Olaf in "Frozen", or Hey-Hey in "Moana" (shudder). What I mean by "comic relief" are moments of comedy and joy that come from characters' camaraderie and their personalities. A good example would be the scene in "The Lord of the Rings" when Legolas walks on snow. If the story had more comic relief the sad moments in the storyline would feel even sadder. As it stands, I keep questioning why do these characters bother to live at all. They are miserable, living in miserable situations.

*****SPOILER ALRET BEGINNING****** I was also bothered by the illogical actions of Vi and Jayce in particular. As an older sister, I cannot believe Vi's action after she is released from prison. When she abandoned Powder as a teenager at the height of her grief, we all know she would have come back after she cooled down. However, as she was prevented from doing so, I imagine she lived with worry and guilt over her little sister for years. I think her only motivation for surviving prison was so that she could find and save Powder if she managed to get out. With Powder being the only family she has left, upon her release Vi would not care if the entire world collapsed if she could reach and protect her little sister. Her flirting with Caitlyn and worrying about the politics felt wrong on every level. Her only focus should have been getting to Powder.

Jayce on the other hand was established as a kind, genius scientist. Suddenly he becomes power hungry and murderous. There should have been something in the beginning of his arc to indicate that he would turn in that sever direction. Watching the scenes after he becomes a councillor feel very false and forced to me.

*****SPOILER ALERT END*****

Looking at the writing credits I see that the show is written by men. It would not hurt this series to get a female writer to provide a feminine perspective for the show and particularly for the female characters. Let's hope the story improves in Season 2.

My favourite moment in the series is when Jinx and Ekko fight. That was masterful on every level. Just brilliant!

Alex Rider (2020–2024)

Edgy, thrilling, I cannot remember the last time I was gripped by a TV Show to this degree.

[10/10 · 30 November 2020]

Casting: 10 Stars; Cinematography: 8 Stars; Direction: 8 Stars; Plot Development: 10 Stars; Entertaining: 10 Stars;

A 13+ rating for a TV show with teenagers as the leads creates a certain set of expectations. However, this show shattered them. At times, while watching the show, I though the rating should have been A (18+). I was deeply invested and sometimes terrified. I started watching the show thinking I would see two episodes before bedtime, and I could not stop until 1am, when my body simply gave out. Then, I binged the rest the next day almost as soon as I woke up.

I never read the books. I though the movie looked too immature, so I gave that a pass. I decided to watch the show based on the trailer.

There were are few clunky moments, questionable development, and sometimes I got tired by the filters.

I'm not going to say anything else about it, because you should watch this show if you like spy movies without too much gore, or death everywhere; fun action flicks that feel real. For myself, I cannot wait for Season 2.

Boys Over Flowers (2009– )

Better than Meteor Garden (2018)

[8/10 · 2 October 2020]

Story: 8 Stars; Cinematography: 6 Stars; Casting: 10 Stars; Acting: 8 Stars; Production Value: 8 Stars; Entertaining: 8 Stars; Watch again? Maybe.

I watched Meteor Garden (2018) before this series. I soon realized that MG is based on Boys Over Flowers (BOF). Though Meteor Garden has better production value and though I loved the cast, BOF is a more coherent and better executed story.

In MG there are five episodes that tell a boring/disturbing story of a side character that has nothing to do with the main girl and F4. The flashbacks are never ending (Thank you Netflix for the FF option.).

BOF has some slow moments and flashbacks that could have been shorter, but the story sticks with the main characters. I laughed. I cried. I cried a lot. I saw a bit more of the Koran culture. This is not a perfect series, but it is wonderful. The casting is superb. Some cinematic moments, including the last shot, were perfect.

Let's Dance (I) (2019)

Loved it!

[10/10 · 6 September 2020]

I have seen so many dance movies, but this one raised the bar for me. The visuals were beautiful. The story was simple, yet touching. The pacing upto the finale: phenomenal. Then the finale... I highly recommend you watch it in original French, otherwise the emotions don't come across as well. That last shot. Perfect!

The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

Strange, Beautiful, and Moving

[9/10 · 2 July 2020]

There are as many layers to this story as here are the parallel worlds. I think what makes this show great is the fabulous cast, the epic proportions of the tale, moving drama, and music. I thought it strange at first, but then I was sucked in. I also appreciate that they kept flashbacks and staring-at-each-other scenes short. I would watch this show again. I feel I may have missed some things in translation.

I love that the King is not just a handsome face, but a genius scientist. I love our plucky heroine who seems too tough to care about silly girly things like love, but deep down she longs for them, too. I love all the friends. I love the terrifying villain, and the beautiful, cruel rival. A classic fairytale adapted for out modern age.

Younger (2015–2021)

Addictive. Be prepared to binge.

[10/10 · 2 July 2020]

This is probably the most entertaining and addictive show I've watched in a long time. I love that it is set in the publishing industry in NY. The cast is superb. Maggie is my favourite, but I wish a Josh would walk into my life. I love how it breaks the stereotype of a young man only looking for fun. At a first glance it may appear silly. There is a lot of silliness involved, but it does touch on important issues. I don't even care, because it's so much fun!

My Secret Romance (2017– )

A fun romance until they killed it with flashbacks...

[7/10 · 15 May 2020]

It may be a cultural, but after watching a few of these comedies there are always flashback, snow, and someone ends up sick.

This is a fun series that makes me shudder as a Canadian. I kept thinking: "Harassment lawsuit." However, maybe they do not have those in South Korea?

I am also confused by some character actions. Once again, this is likely cultural.

I would have given this show 9 Stars - maybe even 10 - until the last 4 episodes. That's when the flashbacks started. Thankfully, Netflix has the skip button. Please, STOP with excessive flashbacks. They slow down the story and serve no purpose.

Casting is superb. Acting is excellent. I love all the actors, from the minor roles to the leads.

Cinematography: 10 Stars; Plot: 7 Stars; Casting: 10 Stars; Entertaining: 7 Stars; Watch again? No.

Plus One (I) (2019)

Heartfelt and fun. Surprisingly refreshing.

[9/10 · 10 January 2020]

I feel as if lately most of the movies I watch are about special effects, some deep political or health issues, forcibly extraordinary...

This movie reminded me how refreshing it is to watch a simple, relatable story that is well-written, well-filmed, and well-cast.

Though at first glance the movie appears to be about Alice and Ben, this story is about Ben, a man deeply hurt by his parents relationship, longing to find The One, but terrified that if he does not pick the right One he will end up miserable and alone. Brilliantly told through a series of weddings, Ben finally learns what true love - what grown up love - is all about. That is it.

It is simple, it is funny, it is heartfelt, and beautiful.

Perfect? No. But absolutely lovely.

Game Night (I) (2018)

I feel like they were trying hard to be funny.

[4/10 · 19 December 2019]

I like the actors and there were some funny scenes and some great pieces of cinematic choreography (I loved the egg football game). However, I find that comedy comes from exaggerating reality, and there is nothing realistic about this movie. I expected more. Personally, I could not get over the bullet wound, and the total lack of physical reaction in the script. Most of the time watching this movie I felt uncomfortably awkward.

Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung (2019– )

Beautiful, poignant, I feel enriched for watching this show. Thank you.

[10/10 · 21 November 2019]

I loved everything about this show. For me it was perfect. Beautiful scenery, thoughtful plot, adorable leads. I know little of the culture, but I was transported into another world. A lovely historical fairytale.

Meteor Garden (2018)

Great start, but half way through becomes absurd with a billion flashbacks.

[5/10 · 21 November 2019]

Casting for this show is great. I don't know which of the main actors is more adorable and their acting is fantastic. Doming Sci... Just wow! There is a bit where he is broken hearted and drunk that is Oscar worthy. Also Shazai looking for the necklace... Amazing acting all around.

After trying to watch a few shows from China, etc. and giving up after a few episodes I finally thought I found the one I could enjoy until the end. I loved it, until half way through where I almost felt like someone else was put in charge an the show and direction fell apart. The downfall begins with Caina.

For some reason they decided to give... I think it was five episodes - it felt like forever! - to this side character and her struggle deciding between a much older man (gross) she had a one night stand with and one of the F4 boys. For five episodes I suffered through a billon flashbacks, scenes of her getting drunk, and just absurd behaviors, while all the while I wanted to get back to the two adorable leads. Why? Why go on such a long, uninteresting tangent? Why on Earth should we, the audience, care about a character we barely met? At least if they showed the story from the point of the F4 boy that could have make sense, since the show is about Shanzai and the F4. If they had to do this, they could have done everything within a single, well-plotted episode. However, I would cut the entire section of the plot and burn the evidence. It was terrible. I'm not saying the actors were bad, just that that tangent had no purpose to the overall story.

After that, the show began killing me with flashbacks. I feel that if they removed all the flashbacks they could have cut the show by ten episodes. It's like the creators decided on fifty episodes and then had no ideas after a while. One of the first things I was taught in film was to use flashbacks sparingly. Even the length of the flashbacks! I think half of an episode became a flashback at some point. If used, flashbacks should be a few seconds of the character thinking back at crucial moments in the plot, not entire scene sequences.

After Caina, the plot mostly lost sense and cohesion. I liked that they stretch the reality of the show. It was well done in the beginning. Then it went completely absurd. Culminating in a bizarre wedding scene sequence I could not comprehend. What happened? Was it a dream? Was she kidnapped by 4F? Was it induced by drugs? Did they even get married?

Needless to say, I think I will stay away from Chinese shows for a while and stick to Korean. They have an excellent sense of timing and well-thought out plots.

It's such a shame, because this show had tremendous potential. I do hope to see the actors again, hopefully in a better plotted storyline.

The soundtrack is fantastic. I purchased a copy though I do not speak more than a couple of words of the language. It's a perfect blend of soft pop with a few edges.

Falling Inn Love (2019)

Wow, so many haters for what is actually a lovely little movie.

[10/10 · 30 August 2019]

The only people who will not like this movie are the ones with no soul who do not like romantic comedies. I don't understand why everyone keeps complaining about the lack of realism, when the point of a romantic comedy is a sweet, fun fantasy that leaves the viewer feeling happy in the end. That's as if one was to complain that horror movies are scary and action movies have action.

This movie is filmed in a beautiful setting, with a wonderful cast, and great direction. The pace does not feel awkward at all. There are a few corny moments, but that's what rom-coms are all about! I love the lead actors. They are adorable. I wish there was such a kind town in this world, because I would move there ASAP.

Bottom line: at the end of a hard day this movie made me feel good, laugh out laud in some moments (ah, Gilbert), filled me with fuzzy, comforting kindness, and sent me to bed with a smile. I wish they would create more movies like this, because I'm exhausted by "reality".

Rome in Love (2019 TV Movie)

Sweet and Enjoyable

[8/10 · 21 August 2019]

Casting: 8 Stars; Plot: 6 Stars; Characters: 7 Stars; Cinematography: 8 Stars; Location: 10 Stars; Watch Again? Yes.

Total: 8 Stars;

This is a charming movie if you are looking to relax before bedtime. It's sweet. It's pleasant. It's Hallmark. There isn't much of conflict and the emotions are not deep. Acting is a bit stiff at times.

I picked this movie to watch with my mom and reminisce about my visit to Rome a few years ago. If you are looking for an amazing, ground-breaking film, or an emotional romance that will change your life - this movie is not for you. However, if you are looking for a nice, sweet movie to make you smile and feel warm by the end, I recommend it. It's better than an average Hallmark movie. (Though the perfect whiteness of the leading man's smile kept me remembering Ross in that "Friends" episode...)

Now, I need to rewatch "Roman Holiday". That movie is still one of the best ever made, and I sincerely hope they do not try to remake it, because it's perfect just the way it is. Sad ending and all.

The Lucky One (2012)

I did not read the book, but this movie pulled every heart string I have.

[10/10 · 7 July 2018]

It is difficult to say so much in such a short time. I'm sure the book must be better, but this movie was wonderful. I love all the actors. They were perfectly cast. I love the scenery, the beautiful cinematography and direction. I wish this was a mini-series, because there is only so much one can do with a movie.

Elementary (2012–2019)

Writers Need Help!

[5/10 · 2 November 2012]

I have no problem with the cast, and though this Sherlock does not compare to BBC's Sherlock, I'm getting rather fond of the neurotic, twitchy character. Lu is wonderful, as always. What I think this show needs is better writing, before the writers destroy what could potentially be a fabulous series. This is supposed to be Sherlock Holmes, the ultimate in mystery series, and I managed to figure out the entire plot in the first 20 minutes. "Murder, She Wrote" and "Castle" had/have better writers.

If someone out there knows the writer of this series, please tell him to stop drawing focus to the murderer(s).

"SPOILER ALERT"

I have just watched "The Angel of Death Episode". The elevator scene where Sherlock apologizes to the janitor is unnecessary. As I watched this I was wondering why they would focus on such an insignificant character, just so that Sherlock (who is an egomaniac) would apologize to him? Then you have the whole bit about Watson not being a doctor anymore and I KNEW the janitor had to be the killer. If they left the elevator scene out, we would still have seen the janitor and remembered what a jerk Sherlock was for spilling that water, so when he connected the obvious, that a janitor could have been a doctor, and revealed the killer, we may have been surprised. Then there was the part in the interrogation, when the janitor is convinced the young woman was terminal. An interesting twist, but who could have done it? The only other person that comes to mind is the crazy doctor with the God complex. There are NO OTHER suspects. Mysteries are filled with other suspects!

The greatest of mystery writers always say that they have no idea who the killer is. They write about the murder, populate the scene with character and at the end of an interesting story they pick the least likely character and then rewrite a clue into the story for the big reveal.

The reason they do this is because when you are writing knowing who's done it, you cannot help yourself but write in obvious clues. The clues have to be something tiny that the audience or the reader would not pick upon as they watch or read the story.

So, please for the future scripts give us more suspects, think of a crazy, non obvious scenario and a reason why a murder could be done, and pick the least likely suspect. If you cannot write a mystery (one of the hardest genres to write--that is why Christie and Doyle remain crime royalty) find someone who can and give them a job; even a co-writer who can write mysteries would help.

Emily Owens M.D. (2012–2013)

Wonderful!

[10/10 · 2 November 2012]

I am so tired of all the overly dramatic shows that have little to no comedy. This show is absolutely wonderful! True, it has a few kinks, but I think in a few more episodes, when all the actors become more familiar with each other, it will be perfect.

It is a hospital, so there is plenty of drama, but because of the quirkiness and the parallels with high school social standing you get quite a bit of humour as well. I love Gummer, I think Hartley is beyond yummy (though his acting is a bit stiff and so far he has mostly been "the pretty face"), Rady is adorable, King is the perfect "mean girl", and Zadegan gives me chills.

Can't wait to see this show grow and develop.